Admissions and Funding

Am I eligible for the programme?
Individuals who hold a strong university degree or an equivalent professional qualification can apply for admission to the programme. Applicants will also be expected to have a minimum of two years of full-time working experience. GMAT is a compulsory requirement for admission to this programme. Above all, candidates will need to demonstrate that they have the commitment, experience, motivation and potential to benefit from, and contribute to the programme.

What kind of academic record do I need?
We expect applicants to have a strong basic degree. However, we look at many other aspects of your application such as drive and motivation.

Do I need to come from a finance or business background?
No, we admit students from all backgrounds and work experience and look for diverse individuals to enhance the classroom experience.

Do I need to choose between the Flex-time and Full-time programme at the time of application?
Yes, as we will be aiming to build a diverse class for each programme we ask that you choose which programme is best suited for your needs. Requests to transfer from one programme to the other will be evaluated but not guaranteed.

What is the schedule for application?
The application process is staged and you will need to apply by the dates listed below:

Flex-time (for the September 2009 class):
1 October 2008 (Round 1)
1 January 2009 (Round 2)
1 April 2009 (Round 3)

Full-time (for the January 2010 class):
1 January 2009 (Round 1)
1 April 2009 (Round 2)
1 August 2009 (Round 3)

We will inform you if you are admitted within a month of the application deadline.

Can I apply before I have taken the GMAT?
You can send us your application prior to taking the GMAT. However, admissions decisions will not be made until the GMAT score is received.

Is the GMAT required and what is the minimum score?
Yes, the GMAT is required for all candidates (regardless of age) for both the Flex-Time and Full-Time programmes as it gives us a base to compare candidates from different backgrounds to ensure each of our students can manage the academic rigour of the programme.  Although there is no minimum score we consider scores above 600 to be competitive.

How do I find out more about preparing for GMAT?
More information is contained at www.mba.com

Where in Singapore can I take the GMAT?

GMAT can be taken at:
PEARSON PROFESSIONAL CENTERS
10 ANSON ROAD , LEVEL 30 UNIT 3
INTERNATIONAL PLAZA
SINGAPORE 079903
TEL: 6225-2027

SMU's GMAT institution codes are:
Full-Time MBA: F8D-7V-17 and Flex-Time MBA: F8D-7V-35

What is the maximum number of times a candidate can sit for the GMAT test?
We do not set a maximum to the number of times one sits for the GMAT. You are the best judge as whether you can significantly improve from your last score. We will ask you to report all your past scores however will take the highest score for application. 

Do I need to take the TOEFL?
TOEFL is only required if your undergraduate degree is not taught in English.

Can I take the IELTS in place of the TOEFL?
Yes.

What are the essay questions for the application?
1. Describe your current position and why you are interested in pursuing an MBA. (500 words)
2. Describe your career goals. (300 words
3. Name your greatest weakness and how you have tried to overcome it. (300 words)
4. Describe what makes you unconventional (300 words)
5. Discuss an ethical dilemma that you have faced and how you have dealt with it. (500 words)
6. Share with the admissions committee an example of how you have made an impact on your community (this can be work, associations, schools, or family). (300 words)
7. Name a leader you admire and would like to emulate.  Tell us why.  (300 words)

What supporting documents do I have to send in?
- A copy of NRIC for SingaporeanCitizen; or a copy of Passport for non-Singaporeans
- A copy of NRIC, Passport and re-entry permit for Singaporean Permanent Residents
- 2 passport-size photograph
- 2 copies of essays in word format (please indicate name and word count on all pages)
- Official GMAT score report
- Official academic transcripts of all educational institutions attended
- Current Resume
- 2 referee's report (if not sent directly by referee)
- Payment by credit card form (S$100
- Any other supporting documents

What are the fees for the SMU MBA?
The current fees (including GST) are:
Application: S$100 non-refundable
Tuition: S$53,000 for Full-Time and S$56,000 for Flex-Time

What is the payment schedule for the tuition fee?
The tuition fee will be paid in installments.  The recommended payment will be 10% to confirm one's place at admission, 30% before one arrives, 30% by the fourth month (December 2009 for the Flex-time and April 2010 for the Full-time programme) and 30% on the seventh month (April 2010 for the Flex-time and July 2010 for the Full-time programme). As we are a small programme we will work out individual payment schedules if required (as some may be waiting for scholarships etc).

What are the estimated monthly living expenses in Singapore ?

* These figures are to be used as a guide as expenditures will vary depending on personal spending habits.

Are scholarships and financial aid available for the MBA programme?
Yes there will be many scholarships available. The application for scholarship will follow the admissions decisions. There are also a number of bank student loans available with favorable rates and terms for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents.

Can I reapply to the MBA Programme?

You can reapply to the MBA program, but not during the same academic year. This means there is a minimum one-year wait period between reapplications for the Full-time and/or Flex-time programs. Reapplicants should send the MBA office one reapplicant essay and one additional letter of recommendation.

Required reapplicant essay:
1. Please describe your career progress since you last applied and ways in which you have enhanced your candidacy (500 words)

SMU keeps applications on file for 2 years, so individuals who reapply within this time period do not need to resubmit transcripts or standardized test scores (GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, et cetera) unless there has been a change in these components.

Curriculum and Schedule

What is the schedule for the Flex-Time programme?
The Flex-Time programme is designed for working individuals. The class will have an orientation week at the end of August.  Core classes will be taught over 6 full week sessions over the first 8 months of the 16 month programme.

The electives will take place on the weekends (Thursday night, Friday night and two 3-hour modules on Saturday and Sunday) from May –Dec.   The dates for electives will depend on your choice of electives. 

What is the schedule for the Full-Time programme?
The Full-Time programme will take place over 5 semesters from January to December with a break for potential internship in July and August. Classes will be conducted during the day with optional activities during the evenings over the 12 month period.

Is the pre-study period considered as part of the MBA coursework?
Yes. However, the pre-study is done at your own pace. We will provide materials as well as tutorial support that you can use as needed.

Do you offer specializations?
The SMU MBA is a general management programme. We do require 10 electives which is the participants' way of tailoring their course work to their needs.  For example if one wanted to take all electives in finance or marketing that would be possible.

Does the school offer entrepreneurial studies?
We do plan on offering a number of entrepreneurship electives including your first hundred days which is a course which mimics the challenges of a start up company as well as business planning.  In addition, Entrepreneurship (and Family Business) is one of the 4 industry sectors which we are committed to provide our students extensive exposure through guest lectures, company visits and other activities (other sectors are Energy, IT and Finance).

Am I required to participate in the sector components if I am not interested in these areas?
The sector activity is included in the SMU programme for the students to participate as they wish. While it is not compulsory, we do strongly encourage you to take advantage of some of the company visits, talks and industry studies as it will provide you with some deep insights into industries of global importance and broaden your network.

What electives do you offer?
We are in the process of finalizing our electives offerings. To date, we have plans to offer the following courses.

Appreciating and Acquiring Art
Understanding Business Law
Navigating Entrepreneurial Finance
Building Family Businesses
Attracting and Retaining Your Staff
Understanding Alternative Investments
Exploring Venture Capital and Private Equity
Planning Your Career
Creating New Products and Design
Trading Commodities
Embracing Complexity
Building Environmental Businesses
Exploring Technology in Media
Sourcing Globally and Managing Your Supply Chain
Accounting for Managers
Restructuring Your Corporate Finances
Financing Your Start-Up
Investing in Real Estate
Branding Globally
Measuring Non-Financial Performance
Learning from Leaders
Marketing across Regions
Leading the Multinational Corporation
Delivering Returns on Marketing Investment
Managing Knowledge in Organizations
Managing Portfolios
Leading Innovation

Who will be teaching in the programme?
The programme will be taught by internationally renowned and experienced SMU faculty and industry professionals.

Is this program taught via e-learning?
No, our Flex-time and Full-time MBA both require your attendance. Some modules will use web and online updates for their classes however this is used to supplement your time in class.

Does the programme take student's regular class attendance into consideration for assessment?
Yes, much of the assessment will be based on class participation which will make regular class attendance important.

Can I apply for a joint degree with any of SMU's other graduate programmes?
The application process for all graduate programmes at SMU is separately run. Credit for courses taken in other graduate level programmes will be considered on a case by case basis.

Will there be opportunities for the students to go on overseas exchange programmes?
We have been approached by a number of potential partners overseas and will continue to assess potential partners however this will likely only happen in a year's time. We will likely support business missions abroad during the summer.

Career Support

As the programme is new will it be difficult to find placements?
We do not anticipate it to be difficult.  This is one of our main drivers to keep a relatively small class so we are able to provide individual attention to each candidate.  SMU has over 700 close business recruiters already for the undergraduates and has been proud to boast a 100% placement record for the last 3 years on the undergraduate side.  We intend to keep up that record on the graduate level.

Could you please name some companies that have hired students from your university?
The list below is a sample list of companies that have held events at SMU since Oct 07. 
AT Kearney, Bain, Barclays, Boston Consulting Group, British Petroleum, Burson-Marsteller, Caterpillar, Citibank, DBS, Deloitte and Touche, Deutsche Bank, Ernst & Young, GIC, Goldman Sachs, Hewlett Packard, ING Bank, Janssen-Cilag, Macquarie, MediaEdge, Maersk Shipping, McKinsey, Morgan Stanley, NOL, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Prudential, Shell, SingTel, Standard Chartered, Temasek.

Will SMU help me find a summer attachment?
Yes, SMU's career services will actively help you prepare for summer internships. Some company internships will be combined with scholarships and will be determined before enrollment.

As a company sponsored student, will the sector activities and career services be available to me?
Yes, as we strongly believe that sector activities should be used as a way of increasing a participant's overall network, which may even be relevant to a current position. SMU will design career services programmes such as self assessment guides and career coaching with the purpose of improving a participant's overall job performance and long term career goals.

SMU MASTERS. BE ONE.